Septerna to Present GPCR Drug Discovery Data at ENDO 2024

Septerna, Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative oral small molecule medicines targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), recently announced the presentation of its first preclinical data on parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) programs. The data will be shared at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting (ENDO 2024), scheduled for June 1-4 in Boston.

Jeffrey Finer, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Septerna, expressed enthusiasm about presenting these groundbreaking preclinical findings. He emphasized that these data not only highlight the potential of Septerna’s PTH1R program, which may become the first oral replacement therapy for hypoparathyroidism, but also validate the company's approach to discovering novel GPCR-targeted treatments. Finer noted that these advancements reaffirm Septerna's commitment to developing transformative therapies for patients in need of improved treatment options.

The presentations will include detailed findings on two key programs:

1. Parathyroid Hormone 1 Receptor (PTH1R) Program for Hypoparathyroidism:
- The title of the presentation is "Characterization of a Novel Oral Small Molecule PTH1R Agonist: Proof of Concept for an Alternative to Injectable Peptide-based Therapy for Hypoparathyroidism."
- Poster Presentation (MON-372): Monday, June 3, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET.
- Poster Session (P085): Focused on Bone and Mineral Metabolism: Clinical Osteoporosis.
- Rapid-Fire Presentation (RF14-03): Monday, June 3, from 1:55 PM to 2:00 PM ET.
- Oral Abstract and Rapid-Fire Session (OR14): Concentrated on Bone and Mineral Metabolism, including PTH, Calcium, and Phosphate Metabolism.
- Presenter: Jun Zhang, Ph.D., Senior Director of Disease Biology at Septerna.

2. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor (TSHR) Program for Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease:
- The title of the presentation is "A Novel, Oral Small Molecule Antagonist Targeting TSHR Improves Hyperthyroidism in an in vivo Model of Graves’ Disease."
- Poster Presentation (MON-589): Monday, June 3, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET.
- Poster Session (P096): Dedicated to Thyroid: Thyroid Autoimmunity II.
- Presenter: Amer Mirza, Ph.D., Vice President of Disease Biology and Translational Sciences at Septerna.

About Septerna:

Septerna, Inc. is dedicated to the advancement of novel, oral small molecule medicines targeting the extensive class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Utilizing its Native Complex Platform™, Septerna replicates GPCRs with their natural structure, function, and dynamics outside the cellular environment. This approach allows for the rapid application of new technologies for industrial-scale drug discovery, addressing both validated and previously undruggable GPCRs. Founded in 2022 by pioneering scientists in GPCR research, Septerna is currently building a pipeline of GPCR-targeted, oral small molecule drug candidates. The company's lead program focuses on the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) for treating hypoparathyroidism.

About the PTH1R Program:

Septerna is developing an innovative oral small molecule agonist for the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R), aimed at treating hypoparathyroidism. This condition is characterized by a lack of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, and severe complications such as seizures, heart arrhythmias, and kidney failure. Existing treatments involve supplements that inadequately address PTH deficiency or daily injections of PTH peptides. Septerna’s investigational PTH1R agonist has shown promise in preclinical studies by normalizing serum calcium levels and could potentially offer the first oral alternative to existing injectable treatments.

About the TSHR Program:

Septerna is also investigating an oral small molecule antagonist targeting the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) for treating Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease (TED). Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies activate the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, causing excessive thyroid hormone production and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, in TED, these antibodies can lead to swelling and bulging of the eyes, causing pain and vision issues. Current treatments for Graves’ disease are inadequate and primarily focus on the thyroid rather than preventing progression to Graves’ eye disease. Septerna’s TSHR antagonist aims to inhibit all autoactivating antibodies associated with Graves’ disease with a single medication.

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